Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs in all age groups and in both sexes although it is more common in middle aged men. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which causes symptoms of excessive sleepiness affects an estimated 4% of the male and 2% of the female middle age population.

Sleepiness is a global epidemic, and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome is a major threat to nightly rest. People most likely to have or develop Obstructive Sleep Apnoea include those who snore loudly, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or with physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway. If left untreated or undiagnosed the results can be tragic.

Stimulants (like coffee) taken to counter the effects of tiredness are not a substitute for sleep. The regular use of stimulants by individuals may be a clue to the existence of an underlying sleep disorder.